The Great Minnesota Recount

While we all wish the election was over, we're not so lucky here in Minnesota. The Coleman/Franken Senate recount is underway. The Minnesota Public Radio website has ballot examples for some of the challenges. Kind of entertaining and yet astonishing. Obviously people do not know how to follow directions. Or maybe they didn't ask. When I voted, the guy who signed me in said I could get instructions 2 tables down or pick up my ballot 3 tables down. I chose to receive instructions even though I was sure I didn't really need them. I wanted my vote to count and figured it'd be better to double check I knew what I was doing.

So what do we need to do by the next election? Require voting instructions for all voters. Obviously people don't know how to vote/fill in a ballot. If it's questionable, it's your fault for not getting it right. If you need help or have a question, ask!!! If you made a mistake, go ask for a new ballot!!! Not that hard people! If you care enough to show up at your polling place, care enough to get the ballot filled out correctly.

I think all the ballot examples should be rejected. The exception would be the one with the finger print. Maybe the person was reading a newspaper and got ink on their fingers. On the other hand, they could have gotten a new ballot (assumes they had known an identifying mark would make the ballot invalid...see, education!).

My favorite ballots are Day #2/Ballot #4 and Day #1/Ballot #5. Franken's campaign is challenging both and they look like the same kind of issue to me. Apparently it's okay to reject the ballot if the vote is for Coleman but it should be kept if the vote is for Franken.

Finally, I just might have to vote for Lizard People next election.